If you're among the more than one million workers who've been laid off this year, finding a new job will require a strategy that differs from a typical search.

    The competition may be stiffer than anything you've faced before, and you'll likely be asked difficult questions about your dismissal. Knowing where to look, how to set yourself apart and what to say about your situation could mean the difference between getting a job and sinking deeper into unemployment.

    A critical first step is to come to terms with your job loss, says Cynthia Shapiro, a career strategist in Woodland Hills, Calif., and author of 'What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here.' Some people become angry, others insecure. While these reactions are normal, they can derail a job search should recruiters pick up on them. 'You have to take some time to mentally regroup,' says Ms. Shapiro.

    Cast a Wide Net

    Once you're ready to hit the pavement, consider that the wider you can look geographically, the greater your chances. To identify employers that are still hiring, start perusing local newspapers, trade magazines and business publications, advises Howard Seidel, a partner at Boston-based Essex Partners, a provider of career services. 'Some [layoff victims] stop reading newspapers because it can get depressing,' he says. But if you keep at it, 'you'll get a feel for what companies seem to be doing OK.'

    Don't rule out small businesses or those in struggling industries. 'There are some companies that are countercyclical,' says Mr. Seidel. Industries like health care and education are still adding jobs. Public accounting and financial advising are also continuing to do well, although their growth is more muted.

    Another job-hunting method is to network. Recruiters in particular can offer valuable insight, regardless of whether they have any search assignments that match your skill set. 'They're very close to the market and tend to have an idea of what's happening,' he explains.

    If you don't already have relationships with recruiters, now is the time to start developing some. Many search firms accept r口sum口 submissions through their Web sites, which can lead to a recruiter contacting you. But you can boost your odds of success by reaching out to recruiters directly. Since they typically prefer to meet job hunters through referrals, ask former colleagues, business associates, alumni and other members of your network for an introduction to a recruiter they have a relationship with already.

    Studies show that referrals lead to the highest number of job placements, so devote the majority of your search time to networking, says Annie Stevens, managing partner at ClearRock Inc., an executive coaching and outplacement firm in Boston. Responding to ads on job boards also ranks high, while attending career fairs delivers modest returns -- especially for experienced professionals. joozone.com